Rodan relishes new role at Demons

Melbourne recruit David Rodan expects his various experiences to be handy in mentoring his younger teammates, but is hopeful he can stay at the club long enough to see the circle of success turn.

Rodan has packed plenty into his 176-game career, having played some eye-catching games and a grand final with Port Adelaide in 2007. He has also undergone knee reconstructions and been sacked by his first club, Richmond, before he was traded by Port to Melbourne.

David Rodan (left) and teammate Shannon Byrnes during Melbourne training in November 2012.

Photo: Sebastian Costanzo

"You obviously learn more on the down times than you do on the up times, that's what AFL footy is," he said today.

"I'll be driving, with those guys, persistence. If you keep persisting you'll override everything. They're training pretty hard at the moment. It's testing times but they're going to be better for it."

Rodan, 29, said he enjoyed acting as a mentor to younger players and had found a group eager to learn and with the talent to "go a long way".

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But given his history of injuries, the limited impact he had for the Power this year and the challenge confronting Melbourne to rise again, there are doubts over whether the midfielder will still be with the Demons when - and if - they again become a legitimate contender.

"I guess you could argue that," Rodan admitted.

"We're hoping to get some success as soon as we can. With the players we've got - experienced players - we can fast-track that. Hopefully I can see some finals and near-premierships coming soon."

Rodan said he was impressed with Melbourne as soon as he met coach Mark Neeld during the recent trade period, and had already nominated an aspect where the Demons could improve. Coincidentally it was one of his strongest attributes.

"I've been here just a short time but I feel we've got to take on the game a bit more," he said.

"Run with the ball, drive it forward. Take it in deep because we've got some key forwards now in Pedo (former Kangaroo Cameron Pedersen), Mitch Clark and Dawesy (ex-Magpie Chris Dawes) is coming as well.

"We've got some big forwards there and you want to get it to them and once you do it they'll do the rest.

"I feel pretty confident doing that. We've got some great runners and carriers of the ball at this club as well, so they will develop into the role and carry it on in the near future."